Bel Air Breaks Ground On New Town Hall Construction Project

BEL AIR, MD — As the largest construction project Bel Air has undertaken in decades begins, town officials converged in front of Town Hall Thursday for a ceremonial groundbreaking.

For the next 18 months, the Bel Air Town Hall on Hickory Avenue will be a construction site.

The Bel Air Police Department, which is on the first floor of the building, and the town offices upstairs, will both undergo substantial renovations and additions.

"Getting the support from the citizens out there to get this done, it's like a gift to us," Bel Air Police Chief Charles Moore said at the groundbreaking Thursday morning. "I feel it’s a gift from the citizens in the community that they appreciate what we’re doing here in the town of Bel Air."

In July, the town of Bel Air raised taxesfor the first time since 2004 by 4 cents per $100 of assessable value of real and personal property taxes. About 3 cents were slated to go toward the debt on the project to expand the Bel Air Town Hall and police station.

"Getting this building renovated for all of us — not only the police department but for other workers inside the building ... we're just super appreciative of that," Moore said. "This building is going to let us serve our citizens even better."

Challenges exist for storing evidence, keeping detainees and providing space for staff in the close quarters of the police station, which is also out of compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and law enforcement accreditation standards.

The Town Hall and police department building were constructed in 1964.

“This facility is in great need of renovation,” Director of Planning Kevin Small said at the groundbreaking. “It was built the year I was born. It is in great need of expansion.”

Nearly 11,900 feet will be added onto the building, with over 8,800 square feet to be renovated.

It is a "very exciting day for the town of Bel Air," Mayor Kevin Bianca said, noting the project will include an updated space for employees.

"This old beauty has served our town for many many years now," said Bianca, who added he was “looking forward to how we can better serve our citizens."

See Also:

• Bel Air To Spend $10.4M On Town Hall, Police Station Construction
• Bel Air Town Hall Renovation Project To Begin

Pictured at the Bel Air Town Hall groundbreaking in the main photo are, left to right: Director of Public Works Steve Kline, Police Chief Charles Moore, Director of Planning Kevin Small, Commissioner Mary Chance, Director of Finance Lisa Moody, Commissioner Paula Etting, Mayor Kevin Bianca, Town Commissioners Donna Kahoe and Erin Hughes and Deputy Director of Public Works Charles Dawson.